Diocese of Mangalore
UNITED AND EMPOWERED WOMEN LIVING WITH DIGNITY IN THE SOCIETY
PROMOTION OF SOLIDARITY JUSTICE AND EQUAL STATUS IN THE SOCIETY
Mangalore, March 16, 2025 – Marking 2025 years jubliee, of birth our Lord Jesus , the Women’s Commission launched the Matronnati Nidhi initiative, a transformative fund aimed at financially empowering 26 women on their path to self-sufficiency. The initiative was inaugurated by Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore, at a grand Women's Day celebration held St Sebastian Centenary Auditorium , Bendur.
The program received resounding appreciation from the audience, recognizing its potential to uplift countless lives. This noble endeavor is backed by Prof. Edmond Frank, an eminent educationist, social worker, and philanthropist; MCC Bank Ltd, Mangalore; and Mr. John Errol Samuel, a successful NRI businessman.
With the generous support of its visionary patrons, Matronnati Nidhi stands as a beacon of hope, championing financial independence and empowerment for women in need.
Voices of Resistance: Mangalore Unites Against Rising Atrocities Toward Women
ಮಹಿಳೆಯರ ಮೇಲೆ ಹೆಚ್ಚುತ್ತಿರುವ ದೌರ್ಜನ್ಯಗಳ ವಿರುದ್ಧ ಮಂಗಳೂರಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರತಿಭಟನೆ
Mangaluru, August 10 : The Commission for Women, Mangalore Diocese, in collaboration with CODP, has taken a significant step towards uplifting women in Pavoor Uliya. On August 10, the team made its second visit to the area with the objective of forming a Women’s Self-Help Group. During the session, resource person Mrs. Vani explained the bylaws, structure, and operational procedures of the group. Following this, a new self-help group named “Bala Yesu Sthree Swa Sahay” was officially formed with 20 committed members. Office-bearers elected: President: Mrs. Leeda D’Souza , Vice President: Mrs. Olivia D’Souza , Secretary: Sweety Sonia D’Souza , Treasurer: Lavina D’Souza. Fr. Vincent D’Souza, Director of CODP, Fr. Braggs, Parish Priest of Pavoor Uliya, Mrs. Anita Frank, Secretary, Women’s Commission and Mrs. Lynet Castelino, Executive Committee Member, Women’s Commission were also present. This initiative aims to foster women’s empowerment through collective action, mutual support, and skill development. The formation of the Bala Yesu Sthree Swa Sahay Group marks an inspiring milestone in the journey towards self-reliance and community growth for the women of Pavoor Uliya.
Mangaluru, August 3 : An awareness programme on Women’s Health during Different Stages of Life was held on August 3, 2025, at St. Thomas Apostle Church, Nirkan. Organized by the Women Commission and Health Commission, the event aimed to educate women on preventive care, regular health screening, and the impact of stress, nutrition, and lifestyle on mental wellbeing.Fr. Anil Roshan Lobo, parish priest and spiritual director, presided over the programme. Dr. Sharon Rasquinha was the resource person. Chief guest Mrs. Anita Frank Dsa, Secretary of the Women’s Commission, Mangalore Diocese, shared her insights. Pastoral Committee Vice President Mr. Vincent Bennis, Secretary Mrs. Shanthi Veigas, All Commissions Convener Mr. Austin Lobo, and Health Commission Coordinator Mrs. Vinutha Crasta were also present. Commission President Mr. Jeffrey Rodrigues and Sr. Severine Fernandes, Superior of Holy Family Convent, graced the occasion. Lydia Dsouza, President of the Nirkan Women Commission unit, welcomed the gathering. Cynthia Rodrigues proposed the vote of thanks, and Venisha Lasrado compered the event. Around 65 women participated in the programme, making it a meaningful and informative session.
Mangaluru, July 31 : The Ladies Social Service League (LSSL) observed a spiritually enriching Recollection Day on 31st July 2025 at Sambram Hall, centered around the theme:
“Ageing Gracefully with Hope – Integrated with the Word of God.”
The day-long retreat was led by Fr. Victor Dsouza, Mangalore Diocesan Central Counsellor, who guided participants through insightful reflections on ageing, hope, and spiritual growth rooted in scripture.They were honoured by the presence of our esteemed Director, Fr. Praveen Amruth Martis, and Fr. Francis D’Souza, who added to the spiritual depth of the occasion with their words and blessings.
All six units of LSSL came together in active participation. A highlight of the day was the celebration of the Holy Mass at St. Anthony’s Chapel, drawing the faithful into a deeper communion with the Lord.With around 85 members in attendance, the event was a heartfelt expression of faith, fellowship, and renewal.. They expressed their sincere gratitude to Fr. J.B. Crasta for his generous support and for providing Sambram Hall for this special gathering. His kindness and blessings helped make the day truly meaningful.
Mangaluru, June : The Ladies Social Service League (LSSL) of Mangalore, with heartfelt gratitude, bid farewell to their beloved Director, Rev. Fr. Francis D’Souza, who has faithfully guided the League for the past 15 years. His spiritual leadership, constant support, and compassionate involvement in LSSL activities, especially visits to St. Anthony’s Ashram, have left an indelible mark on the organization.
Fr. Francis introduced the tradition of opening every meeting with prayer, a practice that continues to inspire the members.The League also extended special thanks to Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore, for appointing a new Diocesan Chaplain and providing office space at St. Anthony’s Ashram.LSSL warmly welcomed Rev. Fr. Praveen Amrit Matis as their new Chaplain. The members look forward to his guidance and support as they continue their mission of Seva—service to the elderly, sick, and poor. President Flany D’Souza also expressed gratitude to Rev. Fr. J.B. Crasta for his continued assistance to the League.
Mangaluru, July 27 : The Pavoor Uliya Women Empowerment Mission was officially launched following the Sunday Eucharistic celebration, marking a pivotal moment for the island community. Inaugurated by Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore, the mission is a collaborative effort between the Diocesan Commission for Women, Canara Organisation for Development and Peace (CODP), and St Aloysius Deemed to be University. Aimed at empowering women in this remote region, the initiative focuses on fostering awareness, skill development, and leadership among local women, with the goal of creating lasting change and opening new avenues for growth and opportunity within their families and communities.
Mangaluru, March 16 : The Commission for Women, Diocese of Mangalore, hosted a grand Women’s Day Celebration at St Sebastian Centenary Auditorium, Bendur, under the theme “Supporting a Mission of Empowerment” on Sunday, March 16, 2025. This year, the event was also a significant celebration of the ‘Jubilee of Women’ in the Year of Hope, recognising the invaluable contributions of women to the Church, society, and family life.
MANGALURU, oct 2024: Seventy women from various Parish of the Mangalore diocese gathered for a national women's retreat held at the Potta Retreat Centre in October 2024. The event, organized by the CCBI national Commission for Women. Diocesan Women's Commission Executive Committee, was marked by meticulous planning and smooth execution.Ms. Anita Dsa, who took complete charge of the organizing efforts, was seen at the railway station seeing off the participants, ensuring that every detail was attended to from the outset.The successful execution of the retreat highlights the commitment of the Diocesan Women's Commission to empower and support women in their spiritual and personal growth journeys.
MANGALURU, SEPT 11: The Commission for Women, Mangalore Diocese, organized a transformative one-day training and educational session on Sunday, September 10, 2023, at Shanti Kiran Bajjodi, bringing together women representatives from diverse parishes.
Mangaluru, May 13: The Mother’s Day celebration was a momentous occasion that brought together single mothers from different parishes to honour and celebrate the invaluable role they play in lives. The event began with invocation by Sr Evelyn Bennis.
Mangaluru, Feb 13: In a heart-warming tribute on the occasion of Consecrated Women’s Day, the Women’s Commission of the Mangalore diocese orchestrated the ‘Kindred Spirit celebration'. The event, held with the primary purpose of expressing profound gratitude towards religious sisters for their unwavering service to the church and community.
MANGALORE, JULY 27: “Both the State Govt in Manipur and the Centre have deliberately
delayed in restoring peace in Manipur. This delay is the death for the hope of
justice,” said social activist Vidya Dinkar addressing the thousands of people
protesting for Manipur at the Town Hall, Mangaluru on the evening of Thursday,